Hello everyone.

Before we get started, I want to talk about the latest updates coming out of Nova Scotia.

The RCMP has now confirmed that at least 22 people were killed in this weekend’s terrible attacks.

And we’re learning more about those who were taken from us. We’re seeing just how much each of them was loved. Again, I want to extend my deepest condolences to all friends and families of the victims. Know that Canada is standing with you.

We now know that at least 22 people were killed in the tragedy in Nova Scotia.

We’re starting to learn more about the victims. We’re finding out how much they were loved and cared for. Once again, I would like to extend my sincerest condolences to the victims’ friends and families. The entire country is with you.

Right now, in incredibly difficult times, Canadians are reaching out to support each other.

People are asking what they can do to help.

I heard a great story of a young person here in Ottawa, named Felix, who’s one of those people putting up his hand.

A recent engineering grad from Carleton, he’d been working on communications satellites.

A few weeks ago, he talked to a local manufacturer about what they could do in the fight against COVID-19.

Now, they’ve started designing and creating reusable face shields for frontline workers.

And Felix isn’t the only one stepping up.

From coast to coast to coast, young people are pitching in and doing their part.

And so we’re going to do the same for them.

Many students are eligible for new programs we’ve brought in over the last few weeks.

Many students will get the Canada Emergency Response Benefit.

But others won’t, and that leaves some young people worried about what they’re going to do.

COVID-19 has meant that there aren’t as many jobs out there for students.

And without a job, it can be hard to pay for tuition or the day-to-day basics.

You might normally have turned to your parents for help, but right now mom and dad are stretched too.

And even if monthly bills aren’t the concern, you may have been counting on the summer job for next year’s tuition or to get the right experience for your career.

As young people, what you’re going through matters, and we want to make sure that you’ll be okay.  

So today, I’m announcing our plan to support students right across the country.

We’re launching the Canada Emergency Student Benefit to provide immediate help.

At the same time, we will create new student jobs and double student grants, among other things.

All of these measures will add up to approximately $9 billion for students.

For today, for the summer, for next year—we’re going to be there for you.

So let me start with the Canada Emergency Student Benefit.

Right now, you might be worried about how to make ends meet.

You probably can’t work your normal job, and that might be a big problem for rent or for groceries.

So, we’re bringing in the Canada Emergency Student Benefit to help.

With this Benefit, you’ll get $1,250 a month from May to August.

And if you take care of someone else or have a disability, that amount will go up to $1,750 each month.

This Benefit is designed for you—if you’re a post-secondary student right now, if you’re going to college in September, or if you graduated in December 2019.

It’s there for you even if you have a job, but you’re only making up to $1,000 a month.

The period covered by the Benefit will start on May 1, and your payments will be delivered through the Canada Revenue Agency.

We’ll be working with opposition parties to move forward on legislation to put this new Benefit in place.

Today, we’re launching a $9-billion plan for students.

We’re creating the Canada Emergency Student Benefit to help those who are having a tough time because of COVID-19.

You will receive $1,250 a month, from May to August.

And if you’re taking care of another person or have a disability, you will receive $1,750 a month.

The benefit was designed to help you.

If you are currently studying, if you will be going to school in September, or if you graduated in December 2019, you are eligible.

And if you have a job, but you earn $1,000 a month or less, you will also be eligible.

The payments will be retroactive to May 1 and will be allocated through the Canada Revenue Agency.

We will work with the opposition parties to pass the bill that will allow us to put this new benefit in place.

For a lot of students, the month of May normally marks the start of a summer job.

But right now, it might be really tough to find something.

You may have been looking for weeks, without any success.

So we’re going to help.

Our government is creating 76,000 jobs for young people, in addition to the Canada Summer Jobs program.

These placements will be in sectors that need an extra hand right now, or that are on the frontlines of this pandemic.

We’re also going to be providing specific support for Indigenous students.

And for student researchers and graduate students, we’re going to invest over $291 million to extend scholarships, fellowships, and grants to make sure you can keep working.

Depending on your funding, it’ll be extended by either three or four months.

Of course, a paying job isn’t the only valuable way to spend your summer.

Volunteering can be a fantastic way to build skills, make contacts, or just give back.

If you’re volunteering instead of working, we’re going to make sure that you have support, too.

Students helping in the fight against COVID-19 this summer will soon be eligible for $1,000 to $5,000, depending on your hours, through the new Canada Student Service Grant.

Your energy and your skills can do a lot of good right now.

If you’re a student, it may be hard to find a summer job because of COVID-19.

Our government will therefore be creating 76,000 extra jobs for young people in the sectors that need support or contribute directly to our pandemic response.

These jobs will be in addition to the Canada Summer Jobs program.

We will also be providing targeted support for Indigenous students.

And for those doing research, we will be investing over $291 million to extend their scholarships and grants by three or four months, which will allow them to continue their work.

At the same time, we are creating the Canada Student Service Grant.

If you decide to volunteer to help us fight COVID-19 this summer, you will receive between $1,000 and $5,000, depending on the hours you work.

We need your energy and your skills.

Things may be hard for the next little while, but we’re going to support you through it.

We’re doubling the student grants that the government gives out for the 2020-21 school year.

For students in Quebec, the Northwest Territories, and Nunavut, we will be providing funding to the provincial and territorial governments so that they can increase their financial aid programs.

At the same time, we’ll provide over $75 million to increase support specifically for First Nations, Inuit, and Métis Nations’ students.

Today, I am announcing that we will be doubling the number of student grants the government will award for 2020–2021.

For students in Quebec, the Northwest Territories, and Nunavut, we will be providing this funding to the provincial and territorial governments so they can increase their own financial aid programs.

At the same time, we will be investing over $75 million to support Inuit, First Nations, and Métis Nations students.

To all the students watching today, let me say this:

As you’re building your future—thinking about how to contribute, about starting a family or career—all of a sudden you’re faced with a massive crisis.

This uncertainty that you feel can be overwhelming.

But in Canada, we look out for each other. We value education, service, hard work. These measures will help you get through this, so that you can build that career and the future that you’ve been looking forward to—that we’ve been looking forward to for you. On the other side of this, when the economy comes roaring back, you’ll define our path forward. A path towards a better, more equal society—that’s what we’re doing together.

Today, on Earth Day, we are reminded that the way forward includes a healthy environment and a strong, sustainable economy.

Although our immediate focus is on the fight against COVID-19, we will always do our part to build a brighter future for tomorrow.  

Today, Earth Day reminds us that we need to balance a sustainable economy with a healthy environment.

Although we are focused on COVID-19 right now, we will always do what needs to be done to build a better future for our generation and future generations.

I know that all of our lives have changed in one way or another over the past six weeks. That right now, the future may look even more uncertain. No matter who you are—a student, an essential worker, or a business owner—we are here for you. And we need you to also do your part.

So, continue to stay at home, to wash your hands, and to stay two metres away from one another.

Thank you very much.